IEA Suggests Members Accelerate Diesel Releases Amid Tightening Markets

The IEA said Executive Director Fatih Birol wrote to member governments ahead of the Governing Board meeting on 15 October, warning that tightening global diesel markets require immediate attention. He said the situation can best be handled through continued cooperation among IEA members. The March 2026 Collective Action is still underway and offers a framework for near-term steps, according to the statement.

In the letter, Birol suggested two actions for members to consider. First, those that have not fully delivered their pledged volumes under the March Collective Action should see if they can accelerate remaining releases, with priority on diesel. He noted that some members have already released more than they initially pledged.

Second, all members—including those that have completed their pledged releases—are encouraged to assess whether additional diesel releases are needed. If they deem such releases appropriate, they should outline their scale, timing, and supplemental nature, taking into account the IEA's diesel market assessment and a G7 Leaders' statement.

Birol also noted renewed attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including what he described as tragic attacks on the international airport in Riyadh. The IEA statement did not provide further details on those attacks.

The Governing Board meeting on 15 October will give members a chance to take stock of these efforts, the IEA said. Birol added that he believes the IEA can once again show its capacity to act together in support of energy security and economic stability, as it did in March.